GREECE

GREECE, ATHENCE
Athens. The city with the most glorious history in the world, a city worshipped by gods and people, a magical city. The enchanting capital of Greece has always been a birthplace for civilization. It is the city where democracy was born and most of the wise men of ancient times. The most important civilization of ancient world flourished in Athens and relives through some of the world's most formidable edifices.

Who hasn't heard of the Acropolis of Athens? Photos and history of the most famous archaeological monument in Europe have made the world tour causing feelings of admiration by thousands of people. Acropolis is nominated to be one of the 7 wonders of modern world. In fact the trademark of Athens is one of the favorites. The Holy Rock of Acropolis dates back to the 5th BC, the famous Golden Age of Periklis. Athens met times of bloom and decline, but still shines under the Attic sky gazing the future. Still sparkling like the marbles of Parthenon and the limpid white of Pentelic marble.

Athens is situated in the prefecture of Attica and extends to the peninsula that reaches up to Central Greece. It is surrounded by mountains Ymmytos, Pendeli and Parnitha, northwards and eastwards, and the Saronic gulf southwards and westwards. The sun is shining over Athens all year round. The climate is one of the best in Europe, with mild winters and very hot summers, ideal for tourism. It is located just a few kilometers from the port of Piraeus, the central commercial port of the capital, and the shores of southern Attica. Athens is constantly inhabited since Neolithic Age. The 5th century was the time of its ultimate bloom, when moral values and civilization surpassed city limits and became the mother land of western civilization. In the centuries that followed, many conquerors tried to take over Athens. In 1834 Athens was chosen to be the capital of the newly established Greek State. The city that now hosts more than 4,5 million people, was constructed around the Acropolis walls. Today it is the political, social, cultural, financial and commercial center of Greece. Cheap flights make it affordable and easy to reach Athens for vacation or business.

Athens is a city of different aspects. A walk around the famous historic triangle (Plaka, Thission, Psyri) the old neighborhoods, reveal the coexistence of different eras. Old mansions, well-preserved ones and other worn down by time. Luxurious department stores and small intimate shops, fancy restaurants and traditional taverns. All have their place in this city. The heart of Athens beats in Syntagma Square. Where Parliament and most of the Ministries are. Monastiraki, Kolonaki and Lycabettus Hill attract thousands of visitors all year round. A few kilometers from the historic center in Faliro, Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni, you can enjoy the sea breeze. Or you can head up north and enjoy the fresh air at the more classy neighborhoods of Marousi, Melissia, Vrilissia and of course Kifisia. Athens and Attica in general have the most important archaeological monuments (Acropolis, Odeion of Herodes Atticus, Olymbion, Roman Market, Panathinaiko Stadium or Kallimarmaro, The Temple of Poseidon in Sounio, etc). In the capital you will admire many imposing neoclassic buildings, true ornaments of the city (The Greek Parliament, Athens Academy and University, etc). Don't miss visiting the museums hosting unique treasures of our cultural inheritance (Archaeological Museum, Military Museum, Byzantine Museum, etc). Athens has always attracted peoples' attention. During the 2004 Olympic Games proved that, despite all the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, she never - not once - lost the talent. The return of Olympic Games to their birthplace was a greatsuccess.

TThe capital is famous, more than any other European capital, for its nightlife. Athens by night totally changes. The options for entertainment satisfy all tastes. The famous "bouzoukia" are the leaders in the Athenian entertainment. While the numerous theaters all around Athens offer a different type of entertainment. Athens is a divine city. Let it enchant you...

Greece Island Hopping Singles Vacation Itinerary11Days 10Nights

ITINERARYDay 01 - Wednesday: Depart from HomeDepart from your hometown on an overnight flight to Athens. Day 02 - Thursday: Athens, Greece
Our singles vacation begins when you meet up with other single and solo travelers at Athens Airport. You will be transferred to our hotel, shuttles will be running throughout the day. Our hotel is located around the corner from the Plaka, shopping and near all the ancient sites, so arrive early and spend the day exploring Athens. Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:00 pm for an optional dinner.Day 03 - Friday: Athens, Greece
Discover Athens on our morning tour. From the Acropolis to Omonia Square see all the famous sites of ancient and modern Athens. Pass the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of Parliament House, the Panathenian Stadium (site of first modern Olympic Games) see the Presidential Palace, government buildings and elegant homes. After seeing modern Athens, visit the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis.
Free time to explore Athens before our Welcome Dinner.Day 04 - Saturday: Athens - Mykonos, Greece
An early start as the singles group transfers to our ferry for the trip to Mykonos. Enjoy the beautiful blue sea, the blowing winds as we pass numerous Greek Islands.Upon our arrival on Mykonos island, we will be transferred to our hotel. Relax at the pool or have lunch before we meet for a walking tour of Mykonos town.
On Mykonos you will find beautiful beaches, chic boutiques and elegant nightclubs. Hundreds of tiny chapels dot this blue and whitewashed island with its beautiful windmills. Tonight enjoy your first night on this wonderful Greek island.
Day 05 - Sunday: Mykonos, Greece
Sleep late, get an early start on your tan or take the optional excursion to the neighboring island of Delos to visit the Temple of Apollo and other fascinating archeological sites.
If you're a beach lover and water enthusiast then visit the world famous PARADISE BEACH. Sand, sun, drinks, music, good food, fun & beautiful people best describe this hot spot.
You don't have to be an all-night party person to get the most out of Mykonos. The early evening scene is centred on Little Venice where you can sip a cocktail at one of the many bars and cafes which are so close to the water's edge that your feet get soaked when a boat passes. Mykonos attracts a broad clientele - celebrities, politicians, the beautiful people and ordinary mortals all flock here to see and be seen at the glitzy "anything goes" clubs for which the island is now world famous. Day 06 - Monday: Mykonos - Greek Island Cruise
Enjoy a beautiful day in Mykonos then transfer to the port in the late afternoon. Board either the Louis Cruise Majesty or the Louis Cruise Calypso (ship confirmed 30 days prior to departure) and check in to our outside cabins.
Both Ships have8 -10 decks for passengers, elevators, bars/lounges, Library/Internet corner, casino, boutique, small swimming pool, massage, sauna, gym, beauty parlour, duty free shop, photo lab, hospital with doctor onboard. Day 07 - Tuesday:Kusadasi, Turkey & Patmos, Greece - Cruise
At Kusadasi (7:00 am -12:00 pm) an included tour to nearby Ephesus should not be missed, for here history truly comes to life. Walking towards the ancient harbor, down a marble road rutted by the wheels of countless chariots, you pass architectural masterpieces like the Library of Celsus before arriving at the Great Amphitheater where St. Paul preached.Patmos (4:30 pm - 9:00 pm) is known as the site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. The cave where he lived is near the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. The Monastery of St. John, built on one of the island’s highest points, houses priceless icons and manuscripts in its Treasury.Day 8 - Wednesday:Rhodes,Greece - Cruise
The Old City of Rhodes (7:00 am - 6:00 pm) is surrounded by medieval walls with seven gates. The Old Town is a bustling neighborhood of 6,000 people, who live and work in the same buildings the Knights of St. John lived six centuries ago. Enjoy an optional lunch at one of the outdoor cafes or restaurants, shop one of the many tourist shops, and discover a hidden treasure in one of the many museums. Walk down the Street of the Knights constructed over an ancient pathway that led in a straight line from the Acropolis of Rhodes to the port.Day 09 - Thursday:Crete & Santorini,Greece – CruiseHeraklion, Crete (7:00 am - 11:30 am) is just three miles away from the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. Explore the ruins on your morning tour.
The island of Santorini (4:30 pm) is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. Gather your luggage as we disemark and are transferred to our hotel in time to enjoy an evening in the town of Thira. Walk the narrow streets and explore the white-washed houses, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques that cling to steep cliffs.Day 10 - Friday: Santorini, Greece
Sleep late, visit one of the many black sand beaches or join the optional morning sailing tour. The leisurely sail gives us a chance to explore a Volcano (entrance not included) and take a refreshing dip in the warm waters of a Hot Springs.
Sunset in Oia is not to be missed! In the evening hordes of people arrive simply to watch its sunset. Every available seat, wall, step or patch of ground is occupied so our group will arrive in time to browse the tiny shops and get a good view. After sunset we will have our farewell dinner at a local taverna.Day 11 - Saturday - Depart Santorini
After breakfast we will be transferred to the Santorini airport to fly back home. Say goodbye to all your new friends and the end of another singles vacation. (Remember to co-ordinate your Athens flight home with your Santorini flight).

ATHENS AND ISTANBULDuration: 7Days 6Nights

ITINERARYDay 01 - Athens
Meet at Athens airport and transfer to hotel. Remainder of day at leisure. Athens is an amazing city to discover on with its numerous museums, parks, and the shopping areas of Kolonaki, Hermou, Voukourestiou Street, Monastiraki and Plaka. Overnight in Athens Hotel.Day 02 - Athens
After breakfast, pickup from the hotel for Half Day morning tour. See Syntagma Square, the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the National Library, see the Hadrian’s Arch, visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. On the Acropolis visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erectheion and finally “the harmony between.Day 03 - Athens
Breakfast in the hotel. One day cruise Hydra-Poros-Aegina (including lunch). Overnight in Athens Hotel.

Day 04: Athens to Istanbul
Transfer to the airport included or, extend your stay in Greece Welcome to Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours free to explore. Overnight Istanbul.

Day 05 - Istanbul
After breakfast, depart for a full-day sightseeing tour of Istanbul. Visit Topkapi Palace including Treasury Section. Local Lunch at Local Restaurant. After Lunch visit Hagia Sophia; “is a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Famous in particular for its massive dome, , Blue Mosque; “Istanbul's imperial Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I (Sultan Ahmet Camii) is called the Blue Mosque because of its interior tiles, mostly on the upper level and difficult to see unl

Day 06 - Istanbul
After a short visit to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar (closed Sunday), cruise along the European and Asian shores of the Bosphorous. Tour ends with a short drive to visit Rumeli Fortress.Lunch in local restaurant. Aftrnoon.Visit the Beylerbeyi Palace on Asian side and the camlica hill.Overnight

Day 07 - Istanbul
After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Transfer to the Airport.

ATHENS - MYKONOS ISLAND- ISTANBUL9DAYS 8NIGHTS

Itinerary

Day 01 - Athens
Meet at Athens airport and transfer to hotel. Remainder of day at leisure. Athens is an amazing city to discover on with its numerous museums, parks, and the shopping areas of Kolonaki, Hermou, Voukourestiou Street, Monastiraki and Plaka. Overnight in Athens Hotel.

Day 02 - Athens
After breakfast, pickup from the hotel for Half Day morning tour. See Syntagma Square, the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the National Library, see the Hadrian’s Arch, visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. On the Acropolis visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erectheion and finally “the harmony between

Day 03 - Athens
Breakfast in the hotel. One day cruise Hydra-Poros-Aegina (including lunch). Overnight in Athens Hotel.

Day 04 - Athens to Mykonos
Breakfast at Athens hotel. Transfer to Piraeus port for ferry to Mykonos – Blue Star Ferries departing at 07:35 and arriving in Mykonos at 12:50. Transfer to hotel in Mykonos and remainder of day at leisure. Overnight in Mykonos Hotel.

Day 05 - Mykonos to Athens
Breakfast at Mykonos hotel. Morning at leisure. Transfer to port for ferry to Athens – Blue Star Ferries departing at 14:15 and arriving in Athens at 19:45. Transfer to Athens hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Athens Hotel.

Day 06 - Athens to Istanbul
Transfer to the airport included or, extend your stay in Greece Welcome to Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours free to explore. Overnight Istanbul.

Day 07 - Istanbul
After breakfast, depart for a full-day sightseeing tour of Istanbul. Visit Topkapi Palace including Treasury Section. Local Lunch at Local Restaurant. After Lunch visit Hagia Sophia; “is a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Famous in particular for its massive dome, , Blue Mosque; “Istanbul's imperial Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I (Sultan Ahmet Camii) is called the Blue Mosque because of its interior tiles, mostly on the upper level and difficult to see unl

Day 08 - Istanbul
After a short visit to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar (closed Sunday), cruise along the European and Asian shores of the Bosphorous. Tour ends with a short drive to visit Rumeli Fortress.Lunch in local restaurant. Aftrnoon.Visit the Beylerbeyi Palace on Asian side and the camlica hill. Overnight at hotel.